Kingdom Of Might Review

Released: Jan 6, 2009Genre: Metal, Death-MetalLabel: Metal Blade RecordsNumber Of Tracks: 11
Young Ohio band takes their worship for shred guitar and melds it with modern death-metal. Get your picking hand ready for an imminent case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Kingdom Of Might
Reviewed by:
UG Team, on january 06, 2009 0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sound: The late 90's and early 00's weren't the best times for fans of shred guitar. After it's mid to late 80's heyday the style took a serious hit once bands like Pantera (more about groove than showy solos) and Soundgarden permeated the mainstream, many fast-pickers abandoned the shred. It was harder to find young, over-the-top players sprouting up like they did years back. You'd be hard pressed to discover a new Jason Becker or Paul Gilbert around 1996. Luckily for shred enthusiasts the last few years has found the style come back with a furor. Check out Willie Adler (Lamb of God), Dario Lorina, Muhammed Suicmez (Necrophagist), and Herman Li (Dragonforce) if you don't believe us.
Enter Woe of Tyrants. The young Ohio outfit is all about the turbo guitar runs and their new record is packed to the rafters with them! It seems like around every corner there's one of the two six-stringers going for the throat at maximum speed. Nick Dozer and Matt Kincaid have obviously done their homework. Not only do they expertly navigate around the fretboard with fluid ease, they still manage to make many of the solos and quick counter-melodies extremely catchy. That's a rare feat these days. // 8

Lyrics: Chris Catanzaro possesses the kind of voice that is needed to pierce through the walls of guitars and thunderous drums a band like Woe of Tyrants lays down. He's got more of a shriek than the lower, gruff style many of their counterparts go with. It's something of a miracle that the constant screeching doesn't wreak havoc on his vocal cords to the point of destruction. On Like Jasper and Carnelian he comes off more like a rabid hyena than he does human. Seriously, the guy pushes his vocals through with so much pointed disdain you wonder if he's going to be able to pull the stuff off in a live setting. The busy arrangements don't seem to hamper Catanzaro's vocal performances. Instead the vocalist comes up with an endless series of choppy cadences more than suitable for the material. He's got a firm grip on the choppy rhythms and even the more technical sections on the record don't weaken his assault. The one setback would be his anxiousness. Some of the passages could have been a bit more interesting if the singer pulled back the reigns a bit and let the parts breathe. // 7

Overall Impression: Most of Kingdom of Might sounds like a young band trying to prove a point. The intensity, relentlessness, and chaotic nature of it proves WOT were out for blood. The difference between them and other newer acts in this position is their veteran-like musicianship. Yes, they need to hold back a lot more on future releases but that will come with more experience. This album has to be celebrated for what it is; a shred party seen through the musical scope of a death-metal band. Dozer and Kincaid hold the keys to the kingdom (pun not intended) here and song after song is a testament to their prowess. Tracks like Sounding Jerusalem and Break the Fangs of the Wicked find the guitarists playing in a style that has more in common with the aforementioned golden days of shred-guitar than they do with anything else. Joey Sturgis' (The Devil Wears Prada, Gwen Stacy) production style is a little too modern for my taste. It would have been nice to hear a lot more bottom end but unfortunately this is how most heavy records sound nowadays. All in all, Woe of Tyrants has given us a tasty slab of shred that will surely appeal to the speed freaks reading this. Let's hope the guys in the band can do a guitar lesson for the UG community soon. It would be fantastic to check out Dozer and Kincaid isolated in action. // 7

Kingdom Of Might
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on january 15, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sound: The sound of the CD is pretty amazing, ranging from the bruteiful solos to the guttural vocals or the drum work. It's all thoroughly skilled and layed out.
Guitar: My favorite thing first, the riffs and solos are amazing, some of the best I may have heard. Blazing speed, sexy sweeps, and high technicality. They also have a talent of creating solos that sound good even with extreme fast speeds, so it doesn't sound like they're just trying to shred for the sake of shredding. 'Pearls Before Swines' solos, riffs, everything is just so brilliant, beautiful, and yet, still can maintain a sense of heaviness. I'll be honest though, the sound/tone they use throughout their solos is indeed something I'm very enticed by. It gives a sense of epicness and technicality which fits right into the music. To be honest, some riffs almost made me think of old 8 bit video games in some parts, which I liked too. 'Like Jasper and Carnelian's solo has a jazzy feel even and also reaches a more classical sound and is definitely one of the higher up ranker songs when it comes to guitar work on this album. There are even some fantastic instrumentals on the album.
Drums n' Bass: I'm not the best at realizing impressive bass and drum work usually and to be honest, I feel bass is almost unnoticeable on much of the album, or maybe I'm just missing it. The drum work is solid and definitely has impressive times along with impressive timing and definitely is fit in with the music excellently to keep it all going smoothly. // 9

Lyrics: The lyrics of the album are pretty impressive and on par with the musicianship. Very intricate and meaningful. The album is a concept album (I think) and from what I've read, has a Christian influence, not that it's straight out Christian, but it tries to suggest that you start to take in everything around you more and just think about some stuff. If I interpret right also, it's also has a concept of how amazing it is to believe that one person, thing, whatever God is, could create everything that is, and was. Even though I myself am not Christian, the lyrics are wonderful and blow away many lyrics people write nowadays. If nothing else, they can even be interpreted in other ways, even as just a whole different story in itself.
Vocals: Now, I'm not the biggest fan of most screaming and growling still, but I'm growing into it more though. Now, the vocals on the album are basically ALL screaming, growling, and such variants, no clean vocals. This does disappoint me because a mixture of screams, growls, and clean vocals and really emphasize points amazingly. Nonetheless, the variations of vocals are still impressive. Multiple types of growls and screams are audible throughout and they are also understandable unlike many heavier bands. The only other disappointment is that the mastering on vocals doesn't feel the best, it's balanced right but the quality on them seems kinda iffy sometimes. Nonetheless, nothing that isn't easily look passed. // 9

Overall Impression: Overall, it's am amazing album if it's a genre you like. The guitar skill, the vocals, the lyrics, everything is amazing. The variety ranging from tech metal sounding solos to jazz to classic rock. If you wanna give it a preview, I suggest checking out either 'Pearls Before Swine' or 'Like Jasper and Carnelian' as those are two of the best songs all around on the album. The only thing keeping it from a 10 for me is the lack of some clean vocals for more variety. // 9

my boys from ohhhhiiiiioooo
finally did it props to them for geting on metalblade
dudes are NO JOKE a combined 30 years of guitar playing it really shows sadly the best unknown band ever but thats now changing
GO SEE WOE LIVE IF YOU GET THE CHANCE

Ok...let me correct some mistakes there...
1. Dimebag is one of the greatest shredders of all time...have you ever listened to Pantera?
2. Willie doesn't shred, he riffs...Mark Morton is the madman behind all the crazy solos...
Back to topic though:
I'll def. check these guys out...

Wow more generic metalcore claiming its death metal. Im so sick of this stuff. And no I didn't hear any impressive leads. Im sorry but this stuff is just so cookie-cutter and even has shitty ass breakdowns. THIS IS NOT DEATH METAL!

I must be missing your point, what's his death have to do with anything??? And who said anything about 'a few years ago'??? Clarify it...
Anyways, he's still one of the greatest guitarists of all time and always will be...

Exactly, I was trying to make the point that yes, Dimebag was a fantastic shredder but Pantera's main focus was on groove and not on shredding. Yes, they had a song called "The Art of Shredding" for crissakes but when it came down to it, Dimebag's true gift was his huge riffing.

I went to see them live a couple months ago, they were in my area. Heard their recorded material, thought they would be awesome.
Saw them live, I was bored. The local main support band who played before them blew them away. 1/2 the crowd left during their set.
Good on record, but I was disappointed live.

Gthenburg mixed with some death finalised into -core and some short shred lead here and there; overladen with (imo boring) melodic elements; sometimes it has its moments sometimes its just lame.
Far from inspired, original but probably nourishes the emerging market for bland deathcore.

seanplaysforblb wrote:
Wow more generic metalcore claiming its death metal. Im so sick of this stuff. And no I didn't hear any impressive leads. Im sorry but this stuff is just so cookie-cutter and even has shitty ass breakdowns. THIS IS NOT DEATH METAL!

Did you even listen to them at all? "no impressive leads" my ass. Maybe you should actually check out bands before you try to cut them up like the elitist prick that you're trying to be. It may not be death metal, but I would NOT consider this generic metalcore. I really think these guys have something going for them.

haste the day wrote:
Did you even listen to them at all? "no impressive leads" my ass. Maybe you should actually check out bands before you try to cut them up like the elitist prick that you're trying to be. It may not be death metal, but I would NOT consider this generic metalcore. I really think these guys have something going for them.

I agree, from what I've heard so far, I wouldn't call this "generic metalcore" without any impressive leads... these guys do know how to play. I like their style a lot. It might not be ultra brutal death metal, but that doesn't make it bad. Lots of cool riffing and impressive playing around.

This band is pretty sick.
And it's definitely not generic metalcore.
Seriously.
No 5-7-8 pedal riffs or anything.
All I hear is a frenzy of guitars and a sick vocalist.
It doesn't have to sound like Slayer with growling to be death metal. Melody is allowed.
Even Deicide is implementing more melody.
Nay-sayers are why local bands like this get shot down all the time.
A bunch of kids read some ass spewing his mouth off about how it's trashy generic b.s. and so they turn away.
If you like heavy music, then act like it.
Be happy that bands like this are getting bigger and that true metal and true shredding are coming back.
Metal will never come back if we're all after each other's throats.

Phe4rTheGod wrote:
Like him or not, you can't deny the man had untouchable skills...I don't like the Dragonforce guys, but I would never say they weren't amazing musicians...

I would. They can write good crazy ass shreds and shit. But they can't play them. i saw them live and its the biggest pile of crap ever.
And tbh, they can only write one huge shred. All of their one song under different names sound the same.

All I can say is these guy's ****ing throw-it-down! "Kingdom of Might" is awesome. I have it and the whole album is great. ALL KILLER, NO FILLER! I'm not just sayin that because some of the members in WOT are actually my friends.
For all of these guys being basically 21 (Matt-19) they have their shit down. They have came along way musically and they deserve they recognition that they have gotten from MetalBlade, Tribunal and all the killer bands they tour with!
Has anyone even mentioned the drumming?!?! Johnny is B.A.! Phenominal drummer! And Chris is a KILLER front-man.
I was at their home-town CD release show in Chillicothe, OH and they owned it!! Can't speak for them when they are out on tour, but they have came along way from where they once were. They put in alot of WORK!! I have seen all of the members of WOT evolve into the musicians they have become. Even before WOT even existed.
And for not being able to play their material live...thats b-s. I've spent countless DAYS with Matt while he is just practicing and practicing and practicing!
All you nay-sayers talk this blasphomy cause appearntly you or you band hasn't amounted to shit. And will continue to do nothing...so you sit around on the internet and slander a band which you in all actuality envy.
-Thats all I have to say 'bout that.-
To my friend's in WOT, who are probibly readin this. Much love, respect, and blessings!!
To everyone who has yet to hear Woe of Tyrants..BRACE YOURSELF!!! and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

holy s***! i thought these guys were small time when i saw them in a little ohio town. There were me maybe twenty people there watching them in this little building (and i'd say five of them were my friends). but i will admit they tore up shop with their stuff. pretty cool to see 'em get some publicity...

Phe4rTheGod wrote:
Ok...let me correct some mistakes there...
1. Dimebag is one of the greatest shredders of all time...have you ever listened to Pantera?
2. Willie doesn't shred, he riffs...Mark Morton is the madman behind all the crazy solos...
Back to topic though:
I'll def. check these guys out...

Unskathed wrote:
This band is pretty sick.
And it's definitely not generic metalcore.
Seriously.
No 5-7-8 pedal riffs or anything.
All I hear is a frenzy of guitars and a sick vocalist.
It doesn't have to sound like Slayer with growling to be death metal. Melody is allowed.
Even Deicide is implementing more melody.
Nay-sayers are why local bands like this get shot down all the time.
A bunch of kids read some ass spewing his mouth off about how it's trashy generic b.s. and so they turn away.
If you like heavy music, then act like it.
Be happy that bands like this are getting bigger and that true metal and true shredding are coming back.
Metal will never come back if we're all after each other's throats.

these guys sound a little bit too much like every other band in the genre... but i think they'll definitely find their more of their own sound by the next album or two. potential is all over the place.

Gmurcielago14 wrote:
Unskathed wrote:
This band is pretty sick.
And it's definitely not generic metalcore.
Seriously.
No 5-7-8 pedal riffs or anything.
All I hear is a frenzy of guitars and a sick vocalist.
It doesn't have to sound like Slayer with growling to be death metal. Melody is allowed.
Even Deicide is implementing more melody.
Nay-sayers are why local bands like this get shot down all the time.
A bunch of kids read some ass spewing his mouth off about how it's trashy generic b.s. and so they turn away.
If you like heavy music, then act like it.
Be happy that bands like this are getting bigger and that true metal and true shredding are coming back.
Metal will never come back if we're all after each other's throats.
Amen.

Well I play in a local band so I know public response first hand.nothing against them,I don't find the solos bad just not impressive to me. And duh about the melody. The new Decrepit Birth is an example of tons of beautiful solos and harmonies. If you look deeper than whats popular you will find that since the early 90's there have been bands incorporating melody into death metal, so don't act like its some new style or something. it doesn't suck it just doesn't musically appeal to me. Im tired of hearing the same sweeps breakdowns and song structures that so many bands just keep playing.
And if people seriously base their opinions on what one person says with out researching it, well that shows that the is a problem with them.
And finally, I never want metal to get super popular ever. The genre gets overflooded with generic and half ass ideas. I like it how it is now.what do you mean "come back"? it never left.

metalcore is reaching the point nu-metal did years ago too many bands doing the same thing soon no one will give a shit and the only bands that get remembered will be the ones who sold the most records. not these guys

seanplaysforblb wrote:
Wow more generic metalcore claiming its death metal. Im so sick of this stuff. And no I didn't hear any impressive leads. Im sorry but this stuff is just so cookie-cutter and even has shitty ass breakdowns. THIS IS NOT DEATH METAL!

I agree this is not death metal, but it is by no means metalcore either. Breakdowns aren't confined purely to 'core...listen to Nocturnal Mortum for example to see what I mean. This actually sounds like modern thrash to me, really similar to Sylosis, (try about 30 seconds into Pearls Before Swine), albeit more techy. Perhaps it could be classed as melodic death...but it's not death metal in the same way that bands like Nile, Necrophagist or Psycroptic are.
Amazing music in any case. Many congratulations to these guys on an amazing album.
Keep it metal \m/

For those of you that say you dislike WoT's music, I respect your opinion if you actually gave it a listen and just don't like it. If you are just some eletist **** that wants something else to bitch about, go **** yourself. I know all the members in this band, and all the previose members first hand. These dudes can shred. Period.
If you think this album is just full of generic breakdowns and watered down solos then you are mistaken. Sure, they have parts that might sound similar to something someone else has done. But who doesn't? Everything has already been played, all of the note order possibilites have already been done. So all of you eletist pricks, you might as well give up the guitar because you will not come up with something that hasn't already been done.

I like this band's stuff, just not the lyrics. Not to be prejudiced or anything; but I'm an athiest and I listen to a TON of black metal, so the Christian vibe just doesn't do it for me. Otherwise: killer, killer, killer musicianship! The guy who wrote them off as "just another metalcore poser band" obviously didn't listen to a single note on the album.